by our College Data Analytics TeamThere is roughly 311 different languages spoken in the United States alone, with more than 6,500 languages spoken in the world. Globalization and increasing communication with foreign countries has increased the need for bilingual speakers. By entering into the field of Foreign Languages and Linguistics, you will not only master a second language, you will become a more diverse and thoughtful person.
There are many different majors you can explore within this field. Some popular choices include African Languages, Germanic Languages, Romance Languages, Iranian and Persian, and American Sign Language.
While focusing on one of these majors, you will be instructed in the dialect, philology, literature, culture and history of the language. Some of the courses you will take include Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Languages, European History, Literature, and Religion.
A degree in Foreign Languages & Linguistics covers Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics. Instructional Programs That Focus On Foreign Languages And Literatures, The Humanistic And Scientific Study Of Linguistics, And The Provision Of Professional Interpretation And Translation Services. Continue reading for the key facts every foreign languages & linguistics student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering foreign languages & linguistics programs.
Across the country, foreign languages & linguistics is a popular field of study, with 28,685 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Foreign Languages & Linguistics Schools ranking analyzes these 1,121 schools to determine the best overall colleges for foreign languages & linguistics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of foreign languages & linguistics programs later in this article.
Coursework for Foreign Languages & Linguistics build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations foreign languages & linguistics graduates commonly enter.
While learning a new language it is necessary to have patience and perseverance. Some of these dialects are complicated and require practice and focus. It helps to have an ear for language and great attention to detail. To prepare for this field, students are advised to take prior courses in Foreign Language, History, Politics, and Religion. Take any advantage to study abroad while in college. This will give you invaluable, first-hand experience with the language and culture of a foreign country.
The skill set emphasized by a foreign languages & linguistics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a foreign languages & linguistics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several foreign languages & linguistics degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 625 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2,361 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 17,709 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 6,629 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,120 |
People currently working in careers related to foreign languages & linguistics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 37.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 34.8% |
| Master’s degree | 19.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 2.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in foreign languages & linguistics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A graduate with a degree in this field can enter into many different occupations. You would be well prepared to teach Foreign Language, English, History, or Literature in High School or teach a Foreign Language to adults. You could also continue your education in order to become a University Professor. If education does not interest you, you can work for the government in international relations or become a Foreign Service Officer. Other students may choose to become Anthropologists or Archeologists, Librarians or Museum Curators. Finally, another career choice is to become a translator or interpreter. Well-trained translators and interpreters are in high demand because of growing communication between nations.
A degree in foreign languages & linguistics can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to foreign languages & linguistics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to foreign languages & linguistics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,273,615 | 14.3% |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 629,317 | 7.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Interpreters and Translators | 424,722 | 12.2% |
| Transportation Planners | 43,539 | 4.1% |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | 24,588 | 6.1% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of foreign languages & linguistics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $33,322 |
| 4 years | $46,553 |
| 5 years | $54,624 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for foreign languages & linguistics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers foreign languages & linguistics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,437 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $68,967 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,627 |
| Transportation Planners | $50,855 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $42,168 |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $39,815 |
With 1,121 different foreign languages & linguistics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased foreign languages & linguistics school rankings to help you.
Those considering foreign languages & linguistics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
